UNP concerned over interference in judiciary

“All these, except the executive, and of that too, only a minority of the privileged, is being rendered redundant. Whilst the executive of the country is on a perpetual drive to further its powers, the other arms which are to serve as the foundations are being – expediently – rendered redundant with the same conviction,” he said. “It is with grave concern, therefore, that we note recent developments regarding alleged interference by the executive on the affairs of the judiciary and the appalling intimidation and smear campaigns carried out by the regime’s propaganda outfits: the state media. We condemn these attempts to cast aspersions on the highest officers of the Sri Lankan judiciary as blatant attempts to irreversibly harm the fragile threads that hold together the once-vibrant democratic tapestry of our country,” Jayasuriya said. The United National Party (UNP) has expressed concerns over the alleged interference by the executive on the affairs of the judiciary.UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya, in a statement, said that the onslaught on the country’s democratic establishments and rule of law institutions by the incumbent regime, warrants attention and unreserved condemnation by all those who aspire to higher democratic standards. He noted that the executive, legislature and judiciary are the cornerstones of a vibrant democracy, underscored by an active civil society, a free media and an informed and astute citizenry.